A record-breaking heat wave at the end of March is stoking fears that Colorado could be headed toward drought, heightened wildfire risk and lasting water stress.

Why it matters: Climate experts warn that an unusually dry winter followed by an early-season heat spike is a risky combination — one that could shape not just this summer, but water conditions for years to come.

The latest: A small grass fire broke out Sunday night in Boulder's Chautauqua area, burning about a half-acre before crews contained it. The cause remains under investigation.

• The incident, the second in the area this spring, comes as wildfire risk is rising earlier than usual.

Zoom out: Forecasters held out hope that late-season snow in March and April, typically Colorado's snowiest months, could offset the state's weak winter snowpack.

• Instead, the state just experienced one of its warmest early spring periods in the last 40 years, said Andrew Winters, an assistant professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.
• So now, even with an average April for moisture, "We're likely looking at being [in] a drought for a good chunk of the summer," Winters said.

Threat level: Dry grasses and vegetation can ignite easily and allow fires to spread quickly, especially on warm, windy days.

• And even rain now could prove problematic. After extended dry periods, hardened soil struggles to absorb water, increasing the chance of flash flooding, Winters warned.
• The best-case scenario, he said, would be light rain over an extended period, which could "really allow moisture to soak into the ground."

State of play: Boulder is currently under a drought watch, and will decide by May 1 whether to impose water use restrictions.

Reality check: If dry conditions persist through April, additional restrictions across the region are likely, Winters said.

• "Certainly a really good year can help to make up the loss of reservoir levels," he said. "More likely, we would need a series of years strung together to recuperate."

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There are several essential items you should grab if you must leave your home when a wildfire, flooding or other natural disaster strikes.

Why it matters: Being prepared with an accessible go-bag can reduce panic and could be the difference between life and death.

Zoom in: A go-bag should be easy to find and carry. Consider a backpack for personal items and documents, and a wheeled tub or suitcase for food and water.

• Food and water: A three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person, plus utensils and a can opener.
• Medical supplies: A first-aid kit, prescriptions, medications, medical devices, extra glasses and contacts, feminine hygiene products.
• Technology: A cell phone charger, battery pack, flashlight, batteries, battery-powered radio, laptop, storage devices with key personal data.
• Important documents (or copies): ID, passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, marriage license, insurance policies.
• Pet items: Food, collar/leash, carrier, toys and vaccine information.
• Money: Credit and debit cards, cash.
• Miscellaneous: A whistle to call for help, blanket or sleeping bag, change of clothes, shoes, extra car keys, phone numbers of family members and neighbors, irreplaceable photos, and baby and kid supplies.

Other things to consider: People in Boulder County with larger animals should either have equipment to move them or the phone number of someone who can help.

• Owners may also consider cutting fences and letting animals loose if transporting them is not an option.

Between the lines: Liz Gelardi with Verizon Wireless said their crisis team has a digital checklist that includes taking videos and photos for insurance purposes.

• Residents should also download evacuation routes and maps ahead of time.
• Have an emergency contact list ready and downloaded, too.

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⚖️ The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research is asking a court to temporarily block the transfer of the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Wyoming Supercomputing Center to a third-party.

• UCAR is in the midst of a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle NCAR.

🛢️ Boulder City Council has authorized the city manager to pursue a state grant to help subsidize the use of unleaded aviation fuel at Boulder Municipal Airport. (Boulder Reporting Lab)

✊🏽 Workers at the meatpacking plant in Greeley ended their strike last Saturday after JBS USA agreed to resume negotiations. Workers were seeking higher wages, safer working conditions and better health care. (CPR)

The much-anticipated Front Range passenger train is now known as the Colorado Connector, or "CoCo" for short.

Why it matters: The quirky moniker, unveiled yesterday, could help win over Front Range voters ahead of a possible November ballot measure to fund a Trinidad to Fort Collins rail line.

Driving the news: The winning name emerged from a shortlist curated by consultants and put to an informal public vote.

• Of the more than 25,000 votes counted, CoCo won 37%, besting second-place Front Range Express Destinations, or "FRED."
• Other options included the Colorado Ranger and RangeLink.

What they're saying: "Colorado Connector describes very well what the service does," Gov. Jared Polis said in the announcement. "It really connects our state from north to south along the major population centers."

Go kuckoo for CoCo